Trustees debate scope and practicality of proposed social‑media policy for staff

The board discussed a draft social‑media policy that staff prepared (modeled on another district’s language) and raised several recurring concerns: whether the draft should treat staff social‑media content separately from rules controlling one‑to‑one communications with students; how to accommodate coaches and extracurricular advisers who need prompt group messaging; and how to structure a workable policy that protects students and staff without blocking legitimate community‑based interactions.

Trustees and staff said the policy needs clearer, practical language and stakeholder review. Board members suggested splitting the work into at least two parts — a policy on public social‑media content and a separate set of rules or procedures governing staff–student communications, group messaging and use of district accounts. Counsel and the district’s attorney have reviewed an early draft, and staff reported conversations with the REA; the board asked staff to return with a revised draft after consultation with counselors, security, coaches and building administrators.

The discussion noted operational tradeoffs: some universities require faculty to use official accounts (Canvas or institutional email) for student contact, but local extracurricular groups often rely on informal group messaging or coaches’ personal phones to communicate schedule changes. Trustees asked staff to seek a workable approach that protects students while minimally disrupting legitimate day‑to‑day communications.

Ending: The board did not vote on the draft. Staff will revise the policy, consider separating social‑media content rules from communication protocols, and return with stakeholder feedback.